Value of single-photon-emission computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of this study was to predict CNS affection in SLE patients using SPECT and to study the previous parameter as prognostic tool for CNS affection in SLE patients. We studied 30 SLE patients diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria for the classification of SLE. Ten normal healthy subjects were also included as a control group. SLE patients were categorized into 3 groups: Group I: with major NPSLE [n=7]; Group II: with minor NPSLE [n=3] and Group III: without NPSLE [n=20] Abnormal SPECT scan was found in 83% in group I, 33% in group II, normal SPECT scan in 72% in group III and normal SPECT scan in 100% in the control group